Cressler’s “Shadows” in the limelight! Sunbury Press bestsellers for June 2014

MECHANICSBURG, Pa. — Sunbury Press has released the bestsellers list for June, 2014. John Cressler’s novel “Shadows in the Shining City” led the way.

About Shadows in the Shining City

The Golden Age of Moorish Spain was during the 10th century, a time when the benevolent Syrian Arab Caliphs ruled Iberia from Córdoba, the site of the iconic Great Mosque and home to the Royal Library, one of the largest collections of ancient books ever assembled. 10th century Córdoba was the richest, most populous, and most cultured city in the western world. Under the tolerant Muslim Caliphs, the pinnacle of convivencia was attained, that unique period of Spanish history when Muslims, Jews and Christians lived together in relative harmony and peace. Multicultural Córdoba was an enlightened city that treasured its books, celebrated art and literature, advanced science and medicine, and its myriad accomplishments were envied by both the west and the east alike.

Shadows in the Shining City is a prequel to Emeralds of the Alhambra, and the second book in the Anthems of al-Andalus Series. Shadows tells the story of the forbidden love between Rayhana Abi Amir, a Muslim princess of the Royal Court, and Zafir Saffar, a freed slave. Young love blossoms in 10th century Madinat al-Zahra, the Shining City, the Caliph’s magnificent Royal Palace located just outside of Córdoba. Their love story is set against the backdrop of the epic rise to power of Rayhana’s ruthless father, a man history will come to both celebrate and revile for the role he plays in dooming the bright future of Moorish Spain.

SUNBURY PRESS – Bestsellers for June, 2014 (by Revenue)

Rank

Last Month

Title

Author

Category

1

–

Shadows in the Shining City

John Cressler

Historical Fiction

2

1

Revolt!

Terry Ray

Political Fiction

3

3

The Cursed Man

Keith Rommel

Thriller Fiction

4

9

The Closer

Alan Mindell

Sports Fiction

5

–

Pit Bulls

Anthony Julian

History

6

–

Call Sign Dracula

Joe Fair

History

7

12

Amelia Earhart: The Truth at Last

Mike Campbell

History

8

18

The Lurking Man

Keith Rommel

Thriller Fiction

9

–

Pit Bulls II

Anthony Julian

History

10

15

Winter of the Metal People

Dennis Herrick

Historical Fiction

11

–

Twilight of the Drifter

Shelly Frome

Literary Fiction

12

–

At the End of the Day

Madelyn Killion

Literary Fiction

13

–

Emeralds of the Alhambra

John Cressler

Historical Fiction

14

–

The Death of Obsession

Ray Fashona

Thriller Fiction

15

–

The Sinful Man

Keith Rommel

Thriller Fiction

16

–

A Darker Shade of Freedom

C James Gilbert

Historical Fiction

17

–

Jesus the Phoenician

Karim El Koussa

History

18

–

The Machine

Horace J Taylor

African Am Fiction

19

17

Hour 30

Brandon Musgrave

Medical Memoir

20

–

Sanctuary Dishonored

Robin Lee

Art History

Sunbury Press enjoyed the best June ever. Sales were up 33% over last year. For the six months ended June 30, Sunbury Press had its best start to a year ever, its 10th year in business. Sales were up 11% over last year’s start. Trade paperbacks led the way with an 18% increase year over year. The company also reintroduced hard cover books with several titles this month. They outperformed the entire ebook category. Ebooks continued their decline from their peak in 2012, dropping 20% in June, as compared to last June.

John Cressler’s novels Shadows in the Shining City and Emeralds of the Alhambra were helped by advance sales in preparation for a July 22 release party. Terry Ray’s Revolt! continued to sell briskly in upstate Pennsylvania. Keith Rommel’s The Cursed Man, The Lurking Man & newly released The Sinful Man sold well thanks to promotional activities for a limited edition hardcover, strong sales at Rocky’s Hardware and interest in The Cursed Man movie. Alan Mindell’s The Closer climbed back up the chart thanks to sales to San Diego area bookstores. Anthony Julian’s Pit Bulls I & Pit Bulls II benefitted from the First Friday event at the Sunbury Press store and the release of hard cover editions. Joe Fair’s Call Sign Dracula was #6 thanks to author activity at military unit reunions. Mike Campbell’s Amelia Earhart: The Truth at Last climbed to #7 on the winds of interest in the anniversary of the loss of the aviatrix. Dennis Herrick’s Winter of the Metal People climbed to #10 thanks to sales in New Mexico. Shelly Frome’s Twilight of the Drifter and Madelyn Killion’s At the End of the Day were two older novels helped by author activities. Ray Fashona’s The Death of Obsession was spurred by sales at a book expo in upstate New York. Recently released A Darker Shade of Freedom by C James Gilbert was bolstered by author activities in the Gettysburg area. Karim El Koussa’s Jesus the Phoenician returned to the charts thanks to interest in Europe. The Machine, by Horace Taylor, charted thanks to author activities. Brandon Musgrave’s Hour 30 continues to be the top ebook, ranking #19 overall. Robin Lee’s Sanctuary Dishonored rounded out the list.